Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Newbie, is this normal?, 1 by LouC

LouC wrote:
I, too, participated in the co-op and have been thrilled. The stock has done exceptionally well. I have two that have already bloomed, all have big leaves, two more are "y"ing already. I have another that I have had for 3 years. It is now some 3' tall. Looses all of it's leaves, puts a few on the top in the summer and has never ever hinted of a bloom. This is probably the wrong thing to do but I have gotten super results. Made my own potting soil. Texas green sand, lava sand, mushroom compost, native hardwood mulch. Tried to do equal parts mixing in a wheelbarrow. They are all in 1 gallon pots for now. Oh, also watered with a seaweed/water mix.

Christi